Network connectivity is causing audio quality issues

Poor network quality can affect the audio quality of your calls. The conversation window displays the network quality or signal strength of the call using one, two, or three bars (similar to many mobile phones). Check the following to improve network quality:

We recommend that you do not make calls over a wireless Internet connection, virtual private network (VPN), or remote access service (RAS) connections.

If bandwidth is a problem for you, limit other computer activities while in a call.

If you can, stop unnecessary audio or video.

Check whether other computers on the network are using a lot of resources or performing heavy downloads or uploads, and see if they can be delayed or halted.